-Kevin Sunich Trinidad Guardian

A fighting 80 from Akeal Hosein could not prevent Hillview from pulling off an exciting six-run win over Fatima in the Secondary Schools Cricket League National Intercol final for the Daren Ganga Trophy at Guaracara Park, Pointe-a-Pierre on Friday night. Hillview, taking first strike, was in early trouble as fast bowler Nicholas Brown rocked its top order sending back four of the leading batsmen to leave the team on 39-4. However, a 79-run fifth wicket stand between Anthony Simmons (56) and Shaquille Allick (41) did an excellent recovery job. Simmons, whose knock came off 55 balls, included three fours and two sixes, while Allick’s innings included four fours and a six.

An unbroken ninth wicket partnership of 31 between Stefan Gafoor (17) and Brandon Ramdial (10) then added some vital runs at the deck as Hillview reached 174-8 off its allotted 30 overs. Jordan Sadler (3-22) gave valuable support to Brown, who finished with 4-17 from his six overs. Set a daunting task of getting 174 for victory, Fatima lost two quick wickets to struggle on 14-2. Hosein, batting at number three, was involved in a couple small partnerships. At 99-6 Fatima looked out of it for all it’s worth. But with cricket being the game of glorious uncertainties, the match took another turn, this time in favour of Fatima as Jonathan Hirst (25) joined Hosein and the two set the stage for an exciting finish.

The pair added 67 runs and took the match into the final over as their team needed ten to get home. Hirst was run out with the score on 166-7. Fatima still had a chance since Hosein was still there, however he went two runs later trying to go over cover and was caught by Idrees Mohammed coming off the boundary (168-8). His knock which came off just 55 balls, included six fours. Fatima was still in the match needing seven runs from the last three deliveries bowled by skipper Anthony Jawahir, however he cleverly bowled the deliveries just wide of the Brown’s off stumps to finish the match.
Simmons was named Man-of-the Match, with Hosein being the best batsman. Brown was adjudged the best bowler.

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